All aspects of the piano sound, that were previously impossible to recreate with samples, are now available to the pianist:

Sympathetic resonance

Sostenuto and softpedal

IR-based ambience and stereo imaging

IR-based body resonance

Total freedom of tuning

Surround Sound Mixing

Seemingly unlimited dynamic range and responsiveness

24bit samples for pristine audio quality

All these features are covered by the new versions of PMI pianos for Native Instruments new Kontakt 2 flagship sampler.

Sympathetic resonance is perhaps the major break-through of these new features.When a key is pressed on an acoustic piano, the strings for the keys which are already pressed vibrate sympathetically. The fundamental and overtones of the struck string generate vibrations in the corresponding non-struck strings that start to "sing". Every note played is going to excite all the other open strings and change their overtones very dynamically. Previously every note on a sampled piano always used to stand alone and play the same every time.

Sympathetic resonance in PMI piano libraries is achieved by using scripts. These scripts have an interface which allows ultimate control over each generated harmonic as well as integration with sustain, sostenuto and soft pedals.

The Kontakt 2 versions of Old Lady, Emperor, Bosendorfer 290, Grandioso Steinway D and Yamaha C7 are available in PMI's on-line store and through selected dealers/distributors. The Estonia and the a 96kHz piano will follow shortly. For more information check www.postpiano.com.